Getting Social on the Web

Week four I worked with Web. I had several assignments to write up. It was very interesting learning all of the ends and outs when it comes to Web stories for the news station. Having a schedule is very important in making sure that your audience is up to date on all of the latest news at the right time. The web department is needed in order to bring communication between the people and the station.

Writing is something I truly enjoy. I learned that keeping things conversational is very important. However, writing for the web and writing as a producer are two different things. I have to keep that in mind for future reference. The stories do not have to be long, but they do have to keep the readers interested.

Finding stories for the web is the exact same way as for the show. You have to use your resources like CNN Wire and press releases that are sent to the station. Updates have to be made and sometimes crediting the sources are necessary. Writing the stories can either be copy and paste or writing from a different angle. APA style is important in some cases, but not when it comes to Facebook or twitter. Those posts are created in Hootsuite and Facebook, so that links can be created to the news’ website. Also the pictures on those posts can really make a difference in viewers’ likes and shares. If the media gallery in Ooyala does not have a picture you need. The station has a subscription to Thinkpost. It allows pictures to be downloaded and used by the station’s web team.

Honestly, I love writing and I know it is necessary, but sitting at a desk is not for me. If I ever had to start in this position, I would do my very best to grow and quickly be promoted. I really enjoyed publishing a lot of my work this week. Working with the web team gave me another form of respect for all people who work in the news. Yet again I have learned that there is so much more than being in front of the camera. I am very grateful for that.